Tracy on assent to THA amendments: Step in right direction

People’s National Movement (PNM) Tobago Council political leader Tracy Davidson-Celestine has described the assent to the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) (Amendment) Bill 2021 as a step in the right direction.

A check of the Parliament’s website on Friday revealed President Paula-Mae Weekes assented to the legislation on March 16.

The Cabinet must now decide when the bill should be proclaimed law and advise Weekes accordingly.

The legislation, which the government sees as the best solution to resolve the six-six deadlock in the THA, was passed in the House of Representatives and Senate on February 19 and March 2 respectively.

It proposes, in part, to increase from 12 to 15 the number of electoral districts in Tobago so as to reduce the likelihood of a deadlock in future THA elections.

The assent to the legislation comes as the PNM and PDP are in the midst of trying to work out a power-sharing arrangement to manage the affairs of the assembly until a solution to the deadlock is reached.

The PNM and Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) met on Wednesday but negotiations broke down.

The PDP subsequently proposed independent mediators should be appointed for future power-sharing discussions.

The PNM has not yet responded to the proposal.

On the assent to the act, Davidson-Celestine said: “The amendment to the THA Act is an option available to members of the THA to treat with most issues that may arise from a deadlocked situation in our traditional two-party model.”

She added: “We all know that the THA Act has its shortcomings. Therefore any amendment which can help to bring clarity to the law is, in fact, welcomed.”

Davidson-Celestine claimed the change to 15 electoral districts which the legislation entails has received the support of Tobagonians.

“It is expected to bring about greater representation, since it allows for smaller electoral districts.”

She said the PNM is now looking forward to the passage of the Tobago Autonomy Bill.